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South Korea's Solo Memorial: Honoring Sado Mine Forced Labor Victims

South Korea is holding its own memorial ceremony next week for Korean victims of forced labor at Japan's Sado mines. This marks the second year Seoul has organized a separate event after failing to reach agreement with Tokyo on a joint ceremony. The memorial will be led by South Korea's ambassador to Japan and include family members of victims. The event comes amid ongoing tensions over how to properly honor those forced to work at the mines during Japan's colonial rule.

Key Points: South Korea Holds Separate Sado Mine Forced Labor Memorial

  • Second annual separate memorial after failed joint ceremony negotiations with Japan
  • Event led by South Korean Ambassador Lee Hyuk in Sado city, Niigata
  • 11 family members of victims invited to attend indoor ceremony
  • Followed by visits to former forced labor sites for remembrance
  • Over 1,500 Koreans forced into labor at mines during 1940-45
2 min read

South Korea to hold solo commemoration for Korean victims of Sado mine forced labour next week

South Korea hosts independent ceremony honoring Korean victims of forced labor at Sado mines amid failed joint memorial talks with Japan. Ambassador Lee Hyuk leads event.

"Although we were unable to reach a satisfactory conclusion this year, we will continue talks with the Japanese side - Lee Jae-woong, Ministry Spokesperson"

Seoul, Nov 13

South Korea will hold its own memorial ceremony next week to honour Korean victims forced into labour at a Japanese mine complex during Japan's colonial rule over Korea, the foreign ministry said Thursday.

This year's memorial, set for next Friday, is the second such event South Korea is hosting separately from the one organised by Japan as Seoul and Tokyo could not come to an agreement on ways to hold a joint ceremony.

South Korea boycotted the event hosted by Japan last year, citing Japan's lack of sincerity in honoring the victims, including its apparent rejection to reflect their sufferings and the nature of forced labour in the memorial speech, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The South Korea-led memorial event will take place in the Sado city, Niigata Prefecture, led by South Korean Ambassador to Japan Lee Hyuk, the foreign ministry said in a release.

The government will invite some 11 family members of the victims to the event, which will be followed by visits to former forced labour sites in remembrance of the victims, a foreign ministry official said.

The event is expected to be held indoors, unlike last year's ceremony, which took place outdoors.

"Although we were unable to reach a satisfactory conclusion this year, we will continue talks with the Japanese side to ensure that the memorial ceremony is held in a manner that meets its purpose and nature," ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong said in a press briefing.

Japan has pledged to hold the memorial event annually when the Sado mines were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in July 2024.

The Sado mines, once famous as a gold mine between the 17th and 19th centuries, were mainly used to produce war supplies for the Japanese imperial army during World War II. More than 1,500 Koreans are reported to have been forced into labour at the mines from 1940-45.

Japan held its own Sado memorial ceremony in September.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
As an Indian, I understand the pain of colonial history. It's crucial that forced labor victims get proper recognition. Japan should show more sincerity in their memorial speeches - half-hearted apologies don't heal wounds.
R
Rohit P
While I support honoring victims, I hope this doesn't escalate tensions between two important Asian economies. Both countries need to find middle ground for regional stability. 🤝
S
Sarah B
The fact that they're inviting family members is so important. These ceremonies aren't just political - they're about real people who suffered. More countries should learn from this approach to historical justice.
V
Vikram M
Honestly, I feel both sides could handle this better. South Korea boycotting last year's event and Japan not acknowledging forced labor properly - this back and forth helps no one. They need genuine dialogue, not symbolic gestures.
K
Kavya N
The mention of 1,500 forced laborers is heartbreaking 💔. Colonial powers often forget the human cost of their actions. Glad to see South Korea keeping this memory alive for future generations.

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